2016 Chevrolet Colorado Overview

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado returns for its second year following a hiatus with a new diesel engine and technology updates.

The Colorado returned last year for the first time since 2012, and gives Chevrolet a contender in the midsize truck market to battle the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. As full-size pickup trucks have gotten larger and larger, then has been a large hole in the market for car buyers that are looking for something with utility that can still fit in a regular sized parking space.

The Colorado is offered in two cab styles: Crew or Extended Cab. The Crew Cab also offers a short or long box for added flexibility. Both cab sizes have seating for up to five passengers, but they will be more cramped in the rear of the Extended Cab. Exterior styling on the Colorado is very different from what is found on the larger Silverado 1500, with the Colorado having more nuance than the brash, squared off face of the bigger Silverado. It’s a design we like, from the simple black grille instead of a large, chrome front piece, to the subtle sculpting on the aluminum hood (saves weight).

Under the hood, the 2016 Colorado expands its engine offerings with a new diesel option. There are two gas engines: the base engine is a 200-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 pounds-feet or torque, while a more powerful 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 making 269 pounds-feet of torque is optional. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is also optional. New to the Colorado is a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel (specs are unavailable as of this writing). Estimated fuel economy figures check in at 20/27 for 2WD/automatic models.

The Colorado’s interior is simply styled with an emphasis on easy to reach and use controls. The rear seats fold up to reveal a large storage space underneath, good for storing tools or other valuables you don’t want to leave in the cabin. Standard features include air conditioning, USB port, and a powered driver’s seat. Also available are a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and OnStar services including Wi-Fi hotspot capability over a 4G LTE connection. The optional Chevrolet MyLink system adds Apple CarPlay for 2016; if you have an iPhone (iPhone 5 or newer), MyLink can mirror its screen on the Colorado’s screen for easier use. Trim levels include: base, Work Truck (WT), LT, and Z71.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, six airbags, electronic stability control, and antilock brakes. Also available are several safety technologies including forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings.

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